Build my people's hearts, not houses.
In April 2008, during Rwanda's month of remembrance, a young graduate named Sam Birondwa was riding a bus to Kigali when he heard those words. He had grown up an orphan, in a house with thirty other children. He knew what it meant for a young person to have no one to show them the way.
A year later, in 2009, Sam and fellow graduates of Cornerstone Leadership Academy began visiting secondary schools. They taught what had changed their own lives: that a young person with a clear vision, good character and real friends can lead, and can help heal a nation.
That first year they held the first Vision Conference. It has been held every year since.
YIM is part of the Cornerstone family, a network founded in Uganda in 1988 that builds lifelong friendships among leaders of integrity across East Africa. We carry its conviction: relationships first, tasks second.
In 2019 Youth Impact Mission Rwanda was registered as a national NGO. Today our work reaches 210 schools a year in Rwanda, with a sister organisation in Burundi.
Seventeen years, one school at a time.
- 1988
Cornerstone Development is founded in Uganda, building a family of friends who lead with integrity across East Africa.
- 2007
Cornerstone Leadership Academy opens in Rwanda. Its graduates will start YIM.
- 2008
On a bus to Kigali during the month of remembrance, Sam Birondwa hears a call: build my people's hearts, not houses.
- 2009
Youth Impact Mission begins, and the first Vision Conference gathers student leaders.
- 2016
About 50 trainers and volunteers reach more than 57,000 students in 75 schools across 19 districts.
- 2019
Youth Impact Mission Rwanda is registered as a national NGO (550/RGB/NGO/LP/10/2019).
- Today
210 schools and clubs, 43,140 students a year, and Vision Conferences in Rwanda and Burundi.
To see a reconciled, united and prosperous society under God-fearing servant leaders.
To raise a new breed of leaders committed to transforming society, by training and equipping young people with leadership skills and principles, as exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
YIM is a faith-rooted, non-denominational movement. We welcome every student, whatever their background, and we serve every community we work in.
Our valuesLove and service
Loving and serving God and our neighbours with humility.
Unity and reconciliation
Building bridges across every divide.
Friendship
Being with people, rather than merely doing things for them.
Integrity
In power, in relationships and in money.
Hard work
The ground of personal success and of a nation's development.
Led from Kigali and Bujumbura.
Our leaders are alumni of the same journey our students are on.
- Sam BirondwaFounder and Legal Representative
- Peter NkotanyiCo-founder and Executive Director
- Jacqueline MbabaziCo-founder and Vice Legal Representative
- Tim KreutterRegional Patron and Senior Mentor
- Emmanuel Gally NtakirutimanaLegal Representative, Burundi
- Graciella NdikumanaVice Legal Representative, Burundi